Title: ASSESSING THE ROLE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF SARPANCH AND DEPUTY SARPANCH IN RURAL GOVERNANCE

Authors: Harsh Parmar, N. M. Chauhan and Basu Anand

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: Panchayati Raj, role perception, role performance, correlation

Volume: 40

Issue: 1

Year: December 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.40.1.0021

Abstract: The Panchayati Raj system plays a vital role in strengthening grassroots democracy and rural development in India. Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch, as key functionaries of Gram Panchayats, are central to planning and implementing various development initiatives. The present study was conducted in Navsari district of South Gujarat to assess the role perception and performance of these leaders. A total of 120 respondents, comprising 60 sarpanch and 60 deputy sarpanch from 60 randomly selected Gram Panchayats across six talukas, were interviewed using a structured schedule. Data were statistically analyzed by working out frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and correlation. Results revealed that a majority of respondents (sarpanch and deputy sarpanch) were female (55, 56.57 %) belonged to the middle age group (48.33, 58.33 %), had secondary-level education (58.33, 61.66 %) and engaged primarily in farming and allied occupations (45, 40 %). Both sarpanch and deputy sarpanch exhibited moderate levels of role perception (58.33, 65 %) and role performance (51.66 % for both). Education, mass media exposure, cosmo-politeness, self-confidence, social participation and participation in extension activities were significantly associated with role perception and performance of sarpanch (r = 0.40-0.59**) and deputy sarpanch (r = 0.36-0.72**). The findings highlight the importance of capacity building and training for enhancing leadership effectiveness at the village level. Strengthening these attributes among elected representatives can lead to more effective governance and holistic rural development.